The art of; wonderland
“Wisdom comes with winters.” — Oscar Wilde
Dear Reader,
As the holiday season draws near, I want to wish you a joyful and peaceful time filled with warmth, reflection, and those intangible sparks that make this season so magical.
Welcome to my winter wonderland. This is a deeply personal reflection—a nostalgic journey I find myself walking each year, albeit in different shoes. With every passing season, I feel my understanding of the holidays evolve, shaped by my growth and, honestly, by my age. How does one capture the magic of the season? What creates that feeling of nostalgia and the comfort of family traditions? And why is it so vital to me to give myself and my family an experience that feels calm, familiar, and timeless, even as we all continue to change?
What’s the spark? Perhaps it lies in making space for what can’t be measured—the intangible moments that touch the soul. I recently watched the documentary MARTHA on Netflix and was deeply struck by how the lack of care in her upbringing was met instead with a relentless pragmatism. It seemed to me that her pursuit of creating a perfect aesthetic backdrop for life stemmed from a yearning for the care she lacked—yet without the emotional threads to weave it fully into her own existence.
Similarly, attending King Lear at Stockholm’s Royal Dramatic Theatre (Dramaten) left me reflecting on the complex dynamics of power and love in families. The play illuminated how power and obedience are often misinterpreted as love, and the emotional void that such misunderstandings create.
Is caring, then, an art form? I believe it is. Whether through the aesthetics of a room, the composition of a table setting, or the sensory beauty of scents, creating an environment of care is an act of artistry. Can I become the best curator of this exhibition we call life? Can we, as families and individuals, find ways to design moments that embody love, connection, and a sense of belonging—both for ourselves and for those around us?
This newsletter is my personal gift to you—a glimpse into my winter wonderland of thoughts, creativity, and inspiration. If you’re reading this, I invite you to open the newsletter in your web browser for the full experience, as it’s a bit longer than usual. Here, you’ll find personal reflections, curated images, and so much more to immerse yourself in.
/ Julia
Kindly note: This newsletter is rich with inspiration and may be on the longer side. If your email platform shortens it, please open it in your browser to fully appreciate every detail. This newsletter includes affiliate links.
THE PLAYLIST - The art of; wonderland
Andy Warhol in the Factory, late '60s—an iconic moment of creativity and chaos. As the backdrop for this letter, I’ve put together a playlist to capture the mood I’m aiming to share with you. Let’s set the scene and begin here.
THE WISHLIST - Wonderland
There’s a special kind of joy in holiday giving—the thrill of finding a gift that feels personal, a little token that says, I see you, I know what makes you smile. Here are som things that whould make me happy for a long time.
Personalized Mobile Case by BURGA – A thoughtful and unique gift that adds a personal touch.
Shearling Hat from Toteme – I own this, and it’s the coziest companion for sled rides with the kids.
Knot Earrings from Toteme – Timeless and elegant, these are from Totême’s latest jewelry collection and have become my most-worn pieces.
Suede Bag by Toteme – A versatile and chic addition to any wardrobe. I own this exact one and whould love to give this to someone i love.
Book The Concept of Beauty – Perfect for that one friend whose essence and make up you can’t stop admiring.
Glove Boots by Neous – With soft detailing and a glossy burgundy toe, these are ideal for all the holiday celebrations.
Scented Candle by Ralph Lauren– Nothing says Christmas like a nostalgic fragrance, and this tuberos, jasmin, pelargon och orange flower scented one smells amazing.
Faux Fur Coat by STAND – While I’ve gone for a long brown shearling coat from Totême this year, this faux fur is giving major Royal Tenenbaums vibes in the best way.
Brushed charmere scarf COS– A stylish way to elevate even the coldest morning walks.
Dark Red Velvet Tree Ornaments by Zara Home – Add a touch of opulence to your Christmas tree this year.
Paisly Bedding – The mix of paisley and floral patterns feels like a timeless indulgence.
Velvet Slippers by Totême – Luxurious and perfect for cozy evenings at home.
A Book by One of My Favorite Poets – Books are always personal, and this one is a meaningful pick.
Staycation at a Classic Hotel – Why not treat yourself or a loved one to a weekend at Hotel Diplomat in Stockholm or the Ritz for an unforgettable escape?
HigerDOSE Bath Salts – A small luxury that can turn any evening into a relaxing ritual.
A Day at the Museum with Your Best Friend – For a cultural treat, sign up for the Arts & Tea Members Club and join us for our next meet-up in February!
Contouring Eye Patches – Erdi Zucca is perfect for anyone, man or woman, who loves a touch of pampering.
A Weekend Bag – A symbol of hope, joy, and future travels to be planned and explored. I love the olive one in hard Wax
I have this friend who is so talented, it’s borderline unfair. She doesn’t even need my support—she’s basically a one-woman powerhouse. But do I cheer her on like a stage mom at a talent show? Absolutely.
And while she probably doesn’t need me hyping her up, I’ll keep doing it anyway—because that’s what friends do. So perhaps the best gift of all: A Gift Card at Galerie Storm – perfect for anyone who appreciates unique art, design, or a touch of curated elegance.
And don’t forget if you’d like even more inspiration, personal reflections, and exclusive tips, join me on the subscriber's side—For Your Eyes Only.
THE MARTHA LIVING
“If you want to be happy for a year - get married. If you want to be happy for a decade - get a dog. If you want to be happy for the rest of your life- make a garden.”
Martha Stewart
This time of year is filled with Parties, celebrations. So with that alot of dressing up, decorating, hosting and entertaining. I am in no way taking the full Martha approch on parenting or family but I will sign the dotted line on her attention to details and giving your all to traditions.
This season, I’m diving headfirst into the joy of traditional and indulgent details—no shame, just pure, unapologetic festivity.
As always (let's be honest, every Christmas is an excuse for this), I’m decking the table with tartan galore, gleaming silver accents, and those cozy, burnt ochre tones. Wreaths? Everywhere. I even invested in special hooks to hang them on the drawing room walls, transforming them into mini masterpieces of holiday cheer.
A few years back, we got married, welcomed a dog into our family, and now we’re sketching out garden plans—following Martha Stewart's advice to the letter. Does this guarantee lifelong happiness? Let’s hope so!
Here’s a throwback to our Christmas tree from two years ago—counting down the days until this year’s makes its grand entrance.
THE WEAR - Wonderland
Tis the season for dressing up—and dressing down. One day, it’s an Opera coat and a silk dress, and the next, it’s curling up on the couch for board games or bundling up to keep warm on the slopes. It’s the contrast that makes this time of year so special.
I can’t help but think back to my childhood Christmases, when my mom would sew me the most beautiful outfits. One year, she made me a midnight-blue velvet set: a dress, a jacket, and a white shirt with a round collar underneath. She even used the leftover fabric to make me a hair clip with a red bow. I still remember how I felt as she helped me get dressed, her attention to every detail, and how much love she poured into sewing every evening for weeks. She made me feel like the most beautiful, cherished person in the world. I spent that entire Christmas Eve smoothing the velvet over my knees, soaking in that feeling. That’s the kind of joy and care I want to embrace this year—a little sparkle, a little comfort, and a whole lot of love.
This silk shirt from By Malina makes me feel like I’m wearing my wedding cape all over again—such an interesting and elegant detail for a blouse. For more of my outfits and personal reflections, don’t miss the “For Your Eyes Only subscription.
And also this semi-sheer dress from By Malina, a thoughtful gift I’ll truly treasure, strikes the perfect balance between flirty and grown-up with its long sleeves and flowing skirt.
Loungewear and pyjamas is the 360 we trow ourselves in this month. I recommend these. This year, that’s exactly the kind of feeling I want to embrace: the same joy I felt smoothing the velvet dress my mother sewed for me, a touch of sparkle, plenty of warmth, and the kind of care that turns ordinary moments into cherished memories.
THE SHOW - King Lear
A couple of weeks ago, I watched King Lear at the theatre, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since. My reflections kept circling back to Succession—the TV series that, for me, has redefined storytelling with its razor-sharp writing, unparalleled acting, and a perfect balance of humor and profundity. I absolutely love the show in the truest sense of the word, and it has undoubtedly colored how I engage with other works, including Shakespeare.
What sets Succession apart is its refusal to let any character fall into the trap of being "redeemable" or a "nice villain." Unlike Dallas or House of Cards, the Roy family exists in a realm of "luxury, frenzy, and moral ugliness," to borrow from Paul Verlaine. The series' brilliance lies in its scathing humor—a lifeline that keeps it from becoming outright depressing. It feels as though Jesse Armstrong and his team are saying, "Yes, this world is terrible. But don’t take it too seriously." It’s a masterclass in realistic satire, where even the bleakest moments are undercut by humor so sharp it feels redemptive.
As I watched King Lear, a particular scene reminded me vividly of episode five from the first season of Succession. For me, this felt like a subtle bow to Jesse Armstrong and the Roy saga. The dialogue in King Lear—so loaded with venom, wit, and dexterity—brought the Roy family to mind over and over. I’ll never hear a Shakespearean villain’s voice without imagining it punctuated by an emphatic “F*** off!” echoing in the background.
This time, I found myself listening to King Lear’s dialogue with a more contemporary lens, and I think I have Succession to thank for that. Much like Shakespeare, Succession captures the power of language—grand yet playful, cutting yet clever. Few shows could deliver a line like “Maybe the poison drips through” without it sounding overwrought. And fewer still could wield wordplay and rhythmic dialogue with such Shakespearean ease.
The play itself was marvelous—the acting, the staging, all of it. But truth be told, as the curtain fell, all I wanted to do was run home, turn on the TV, and rejoin the Roy family’s chaos
I’m wearing the cape blouse from By Malina (sadly sold out online, but I found a similar one from Max Mara. Paired it with velvet trousers from Arket, the T Leather Clasp bag from Toteme , and an opera coat by By Marlene Birger. . Perfect for a chic and festive evening look!
THE COMPOSER - Pjotr Tjajkovskij
Whenever someone mentions advent, I can’t help but think of The Nutcracker. For me, it’s the quintessential backdrop to Christmas—a masterpiece that embodies the spirit of the season. What’s truly magical about this ballet is its universal appeal. It has the power to draw in audiences of all ages, even those who might consider themselves "anti-ballet." That’s the genius of The Nutcracker.
This year, I wanted to highlight Tchaikovsky and the fascinating history behind this iconic work. The New York City Ballet first performed George Balanchine’s reimagined staging of The Nutcracker in 1954, and it has since become a cornerstone of holiday tradition. Maria Tallchief’s legendary portrayal of the Sugar Plum Fairy played a pivotal role in elevating the ballet from relative obscurity to a beloved Christmas classic and a reliable box-office triumph.
Critic Walter Terry captured the magic of her performance perfectly:
“Maria Tallchief, as the Sugar Plum Fairy, is herself a creature of magic, dancing the seemingly impossible with effortless beauty of movement, electrifying us with her brilliance, enchanting us with her radiance of being. Does she have any equals anywhere, inside or outside of fairyland? While watching her in The Nutcracker, one is tempted to doubt it.”
It’s this timeless brilliance—the elegance, the enchantment—that makes The Nutcracker an enduring symbol of the holiday season. A true masterpiece, reminding us of the beauty that art can bring to our lives.
THE CONCERT- Tjajkovskij’s First Piano
One of my friends gave me this concert as a birthday gift back in August, and I’ve been on the edge of my seat waiting for it ever since. Let me tell you—it was absolutely worth the wait.
It was an evening to remember. Joana Mallwitz, with her masterful presence, guided the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra on an extraordinary journey of sound, while Anna Vinnitskaya brought Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto to life with breathtaking artistry. The air in the hall was electric—every note shimmered, a perfect testament to the timeless beauty of this iconic masterpiece.
And if you want to dive deeper into this experience and listen to its live recording, don’t forget—you can find even more on the subscriber's side, For Your Eyes Only.
THE STYLIST - Therese Bassler, Re-Collection
With over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry, Therese has mastered the art of curating cohesive collections and helping individuals refine their personal style. Her journey from fashion retail buying to becoming a Style Coach reflects a passion for creating looks that not only flatter but also empower. As the founder of Re-Collection, she has brought her keen eye for design and a love for storytelling into a curated space that celebrates pre-loved treasures.
In this interview, Therese shares insights into her evolution as a stylist, her approach to creating personalized looks, and how she handpicks the unique pieces that make her shop a destination for the conscious consumer.
- What inspired you to become a stylist, and how has your personal style evolved over time?
I have worked in Fashion for 25 years (!) and my passion is working with product, putting together cohesive and well executed collections. As such, the idea of Style Coach seemed like the next logical step for me - editing and streamlining peoples wardrobes and putting outfits together.
My personal style has naturally evolved and changed with age, especially since having children and launching Style Coach. It was a very confusing time as my style had been somewhat dominated by brands and companies I represented but when I set up my own business as a stylist, I was suddenly representing myself. I love seeing pieces in their right element and I love making people feel good about themselves.
- You’ve worked with many stylish people—what do you believe is the key to creating a truly personalized look for someone?
Understanding their lifestyle first and foremost. This is key. Do they do school runs? Are they client facing at work? Are they in the public eye? Do they travel? How often and where do they socialise? Secondly, understanding their shape - it is a game changer knowing how to dress for your body.
Re-Collection at 144 Kensington Church Street, W8, London
- Your shop offers curated objects with a story behind them. How do you go about selecting these items, and what do you look for in a product to make it special?
My background is in Fashion Retail buying, so I have always had a good eye for product. There is no specific thought or strategy behind my selection. It sounds silly but the items I source just find their way to me somehow. I have what we call in Swedish "fingertoppskansla", I have an intuitive feeling that something is going to work product wise.
Aesthetically, I look for items which have a certain design quirk to it and I am drawn to pieces which are perfectly imperfect. It can be a rare Hermes bag with the right amount of used patina or a 1930's pewter vase with a small dent. The stories they could tell!
- Your shop has been described in the Thelegraph UK as one of the most stylish places to find a Christmas gift. What makes your store stand out in terms of both aesthetic and the experience of shopping there?
First of all, I am very old school so I personally do not shop online unless I really have to. I want to be able to touch the product and have some sort of customer experience if I am to part with my money.
Re-Collection is a concept space which brings together the best pre loved and exclusively sourced fashion, furniture and interior objects in one curated destination for the conscious consumer. Approachable and inviting, we want to celebrate customer experience through touch, scent and vision. Also, our price points are kept reasonable as we want everyone to feel welcome.
- Can you tell us more about some of the most memorable items in your collection and what makes them so special to you or your customers?
Oh gosh, so many! It could be the Hermes Kelly 32 from the 1950's which was bought by a lovely young woman who had saved up to invest in a vintage bag. She fell in love with it the second she saw it and she had been looking for years! It filled me with such joy to see how happy she was.
Or seeing the Garden Egg Chair by Peter Ghyczy in its new home along with a Thonet side table which the customer also bought from us at the same time. Who knew that my Italian alabaster trinket boxes would become so popular or the 1930's scalloped teaspoons!
- With so many people looking for the perfect gift for loved ones, what advice would you give on finding a gift that’s both stylish and meaningful?
Gifting can be hard and there is often an immense pressure that it has to be "perfect" or expensive. My best advice is to listen. Take note. My husband is a fantastic gift giver and that is because he listens and writes things down. I could have mentioned in April that I saw a book/object which I liked and come 24th of December, there it is under the tree!
Dont give scented candles, perfume or jewellery unless you really know the person as those items are very personal. Do give a personalized notebook from Smythson, as we all need something to write on. Or monogrammed pillowcases or slippers.
Thank you Therese for you words on style, love of design and the art of creating your own wonderland.
SNAPSHOTS - Wonderland
Walking through Stockholm in December is a feast for the eyes and a true source of inspiration. Here are some snapshots from my everyday winter wonderland.
The holidays are coming, and the streets are inviting joyful celebrations.
A small bouquet of pepper adds a unique touch to the holiday table, a spicy twist on the usual festive florals.
Here I am trying on the shearling hat to match my long coat from Toteme, hoping my Secret Santa is paying attention.
The burnt orange cinnamon color of the suede is absolutely perfect—it's the kind of hue that feels both warm and festive. I’m determined to find the exact same shade for the perfect present under our tree.
There’s a lot of construction happening in the center of my hometown, but in this crisp sunshine, it reminds me of a true work of art.
THE ART OF WRAPPING - Installations, orientals and the Olsen twins
As I sat wrapping some early Christmas gifts, my mind began to wander—slowly unraveling into a tapestry of thoughts that somehow connected the simplest of actions to the grandest of inspirations. From the precision of the folds to the neatness of the final package, it suddenly reminded me of Jean Clues Cristo’s awe-inspiring sculptures, where the wrapping of spaces, buildings, and objects can become as transformative as the object itself.
In March 1958, Christo arrived in Paris where he created his first wrapped cans. It started with a small, empty paint can, of which there were many lying around in his studio. Christo wrapped the insignificant object in resin-soaked canvas, tied it up and coated the result with a mixture of glue, varnish and sand and a thin layer of dark-black or brown lacquer.
On September 22, 1985, a group of 300 professional workers completed the temporary work of art The Pont Neuf Wrapped. They had deployed 41,800 square meters (450,000 square feet) of woven polyamide fabric, silky in appearance and golden sandstone in color. All expenses for The Pont Neuf Wrapped were borne by the artists as in their other projects through the sale of preparatory drawings and collages as well as earlier works. The artists did not accept sponsorship of any kind.
The Pont Neuf Wrapped (Project for Pont Neuf – Paris; Quai des Grandes Augustins, Quai du Louvre, Quai de la Megisserie) Collage 1975
The elegance and ritual of it all took me further back in time to the Japanese tradition of wrapping kimonos—where the art of folding and draping fabric is more than just a practice; it's an act of care, a form of storytelling woven into every stitch and fold. There’s a sense of reverence in each movement, an attention to detail that mirrors the subtle yet profound beauty of Eastern culture.
And like the mind works it flowed towards other sources of Mamet and made me think of the japanese tradition of Furishiki. Around 600 years ago, Shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga constructed a bathhouse in Kyoto, and he invited other high ranking folks from around the area to come and join him. As a way to ensure that no lord accidentally swapped kimonos with someone else, many of Ashikaga's visitors packed their belongings in furoshiki cloth decorated with their family crest; this is where furoshiki got its name, which is formed from the characters furo 風呂, bath, and shiki 敷, meaning spread.
And then, in a flash, I found myself thinking about the Olsen twins and their brand, THE ROW. Their approach to design is an extension of this very philosophy—an impeccable attention to detail that elevates the simplest of pieces into something exquisite. Like the Ascot bag, their designs carry that same reverence for texture, fabric, and form, where the richness lies not in extravagance but in the quiet, intentional choices that demand close attention.
If you can’t get your hands on that Ascot gem from The Row, ( I found a lovely blue velvet one for you here on Vestiare.) I have a more wallet friendly opion here from Arket.
THE PAINTER - Ellison Hoover
Trying to descibe how hoover´s strike me, the best way i can think of is that tey hit that Disney feeling, but in a more grownup way. In an instant i´m transported in to the intro of Lady and the Tramp.
The Washington Arch is a marble triumphal arch built in 1892 in Washington Square Park in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. It celebrates the centennial of George Washington's inauguration as President of the United States in 1789 and forms the grand southern terminus of Fifth Avenue. The monument was modeled by Stanford White on the Arc de Triomphe, built in 1806, in Paris (itself modeled on the Arch of Titus, Rome).
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Ellison Hoover was an American artist and cartoonist known for his distinctive Modernist style.
Hoover studied at the Cleveland School of Art and the Art Students League, New York. He was a syndicated cartoonist for the New York Herald Tribune and worked for the Evening World and Newark Evening News. He drew the daily strip ‘Mr. and Mrs.’ (originally created by Clare Briggs) between 1930 and 1947 for national magazines. He also contributed to Life Magazine, the New Yorker, and the Brooklyn Eagle while pursuing a fine art career as a printmaker and painter. So if you want that Disney snowfall New York City feeling to stay, you can find a print here.
THE DRINK - Dear Tea Society
This winter, I’m swapping mulled wine for a non-alcoholic version that’s become my go-to. It has a distinct cinnamon flavor, with just enough ginger for a warming, spicy kick. Not too sweet or heavy, it’s perfect alongside gingerbread and Stilton.
Last but certainly not least, thank you for taking the time to journey through this little winter wonderland with me. Your thoughts mean the world—please do share what you think about the format and content of this newsletter. I’d love your honest feedback!
And if you’re longing for more—the deeper stories, exclusive content, and reflections that bring us closer—why not subscribe to my paid newsletter? For those already on the subscriber’s side, the next drop of For Your Eyes Only will be out next Monday. Let’s keep the wonder going!
Thank you for being part of this journey. Wishing you a season filled with love, light, and just the right amount of wonder to make it magical. Happy Holidays!
/ Julia